Matt's Guidebook
Food scene
A casual local with great pizza. An honesty policy allows you to help yourself to beers from the red fridge. Nice area out back on a long summer evening.
39 locals recommend
Pipi pizza café and pizza truck, bistro style restaurant
16 Joll RdA casual local with great pizza. An honesty policy allows you to help yourself to beers from the red fridge. Nice area out back on a long summer evening.
This is a must do. A lovely garden area serving coffee, tea and cake. A limited lunch option too. A very popular sweet shop and ice cream parlour for the kids on the premises. Plenty of space out back for kids to run around while parents have a break..🙂
61 locals recommend
Birdwoods Gallery
298 Middle RdThis is a must do. A lovely garden area serving coffee, tea and cake. A limited lunch option too. A very popular sweet shop and ice cream parlour for the kids on the premises. Plenty of space out back for kids to run around while parents have a break..🙂
Walking tracks
Local parks or tracks to walk/run or cycle
Lovely small wooded area to stroll. Has a miniature train running in the summer months. Google for train times. Also has swings and playground. 10min walk from home
6 locals recommend
Keirunga Gardens
Puflett RoadLovely small wooded area to stroll. Has a miniature train running in the summer months. Google for train times. Also has swings and playground. 10min walk from home
A must do while in Havelock. Spectacular 360deg views over Hawke’s Bay. You can drive to the top but better walk from either the bottom carpark on Tainui or the second car park halfway up. Myriad of tracks to choose from to suit various fitness levels. The jewel in the crown of Havelock. (Go early as the car parks fill up)
217 locals recommend
Te Mata Park
Te Mata Peak RoadA must do while in Havelock. Spectacular 360deg views over Hawke’s Bay. You can drive to the top but better walk from either the bottom carpark on Tainui or the second car park halfway up. Myriad of tracks to choose from to suit various fitness levels. The jewel in the crown of Havelock. (Go early as the car parks fill up)
Neighbourhoods
On the up with increasing investment in bars and parks. Nearest place to go for big box stores. Splash Planet popular for kids from Nov to March.
19 locals recommend
Hastings
On the up with increasing investment in bars and parks. Nearest place to go for big box stores. Splash Planet popular for kids from Nov to March.
Beaches
Long white sand beach stretching several kilometres north. Swimmable but limited surf patrol. Best for a long walk listening to the waves washing ashore
57 locals recommend
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach RoadLong white sand beach stretching several kilometres north. Swimmable but limited surf patrol. Best for a long walk listening to the waves washing ashore
City advice
Getting around
Cafe’s
There is no shortage of cafe’s in Havelock! Wright and Co is nice for breakfast although on the pricey side. Maina is a personal favourite for good coffee and lunch salads. Hawthorns also a popular local.
Getting around
Bars
Not spoilt for choice but enough for a few nights out during the week. Piku and Allesandros share an open area that’s nice for an early drink before dinner before it packs out. Diva’s on the sidewalk also nice for sundowners. The Loading Ramp best if there’s a game on. Avoid Turks unless you’re a punter then enjoy.
Getting around
Restaurants
A few go tos; Indian Namaskar, Thai Starlake, Japanese tapas Piku, Traditional Italian Allesandros, Fish and Chips Village Fish&Chips, English Pub The Shamrock; Tapas Deliciosa (personal fav.)